EP1409782B1 - System for reducing the water hardness and control methods thereof - Google Patents

System for reducing the water hardness and control methods thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1409782B1
EP1409782B1 EP00954824A EP00954824A EP1409782B1 EP 1409782 B1 EP1409782 B1 EP 1409782B1 EP 00954824 A EP00954824 A EP 00954824A EP 00954824 A EP00954824 A EP 00954824A EP 1409782 B1 EP1409782 B1 EP 1409782B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
resins
previous
regeneration
water
softening
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EP00954824A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1409782A2 (en
Inventor
Carlo Carli
Renzo Ghinato
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T&P SpA
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T&P SpA
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Priority claimed from IT1999TO000738 external-priority patent/IT1310158B1/it
Priority claimed from IT2000TO000012 external-priority patent/IT1319780B1/it
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Publication of EP1409782A2 publication Critical patent/EP1409782A2/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4229—Water softening arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/007—Arrangements of water softeners

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for reducing water hardness as required for operation of a utilizer apparatus, in particular a household washing machine, as well as to a device for detecting the state of the resins used for softening and to the control methods thereof.
  • the decalcifier comprises a container with ions exchange resins or similar substance (hereafter called resins for simplicity's sake) for the softening of wash water.
  • resins ions exchange resins or similar substance
  • a resin regeneration phase consisting to introduce a water and salt solution (NaCl) in the resins container, with salt being contained in a special tank pertaining to the softening system of the washing machine; practically, a predetermined amount of water, metered in the usual way, is supplied to said tank, for obtaining a corresponding amount of water-salt solution to flow through the resins container and regenerate them.
  • a water and salt solution NaCl
  • this phase is usually executed at every wash cycle, requiring a considerable quantity of salt to be often introduced by the user in the proper container; moreover, this obviously requires a higher water usage too.
  • Document DE-A-3831811 relates to a process and an apparatus for controlling the regeneration of water softening units exploiting the properties of the exchanger material of undergoing a decrease in volume during the softening of water and an increase in volume during the regeneration.
  • the regeneration is initiated when the exchanger material, which is in a container on which a bellows is attached, assumes a small volume. Via an actuating stem, a regeneration valve is actuated, via which regeneration brine is passed through the exchanger material.
  • the bellows expands and the regeneration valve is shut off via the stem, after which further water softening can be carried out.
  • Document EP-A-0154278 relates to a hardness sensor for a water softener comprising a membrane that ties continuously on the free surface of the resins, and a piston that is continuously positioned on a resin packing, the piston having a considerably higher specific gravity than water and being located on the membrane.
  • Document EP-A-0919178 in the name of the same Applicant of the present patent Application, relates to a device for reducing the water hardness, suitable for the use in a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, comprising a container within which ionic exchange resins are housed, which reduce the hardness degree of the water licking on them, and means for regenerating the softening efficiency of said resins. Inside said container, sensor means are provided for checking the status of said resins and, depending upon the physical status of said resins, detecting the degree of exhaustion of said resins.
  • the resins regeneration phase is always performed with a quantity of water previously determined and supplied to the salt container; therefore, the duration of such a phase and the quantity of water used to the purpose is not directly controllable in function of the reaching of the actual restoration of resins efficiency; in other terms, the regeneration phase in some cases may be longer or use more water than actually required for obtaining complete resins regeneration; in other instances, vice-versa, duration of the regeneration phase or the quantity of water used to the purpose may not be enough for determining a complete restoration of resins efficiency.
  • such a resins wash is performed by supplying a certain quantity of water from the mains to the machine wash tub and maintaining at the meantime a discharge pump in operation; thus, the water from the mains flows to the resins container, removing from the resins any salt rests also present because of the previous activation phase and then flow into the tub for its immediate discharge.
  • Such a wash phase is generally performed by the opening of a solenoid valve for a time (predetermined at design phase) letting a quantity of fresh water flow through the resins, as considered sufficient for removing salt residuals; in some solutions, to ensure a most possible correct resins wash, several subsequent wash phases are provided.
  • the duration of the resins wash phase and the quantity of water used to the purpose does not depend directly on reaching a complete and actual resins wash; in other terms, in some instances such a phase could last longer or more water be used than actually required for the resins wash; in other instances, vice-versa, duration of such a phase or the quantity of water used to the purpose may not be enough for a correct resins wash.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein the resins wash phases can be directly controlled, i.e. upon reaching a complete actual resins wash.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting the resins exhaustion degree, a method for controlling the resins regeneration phase and a method for controlling the resins wash phases, which are reliable and advantageous.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide how the above systems and methods can be managed automatically by means of an electromechanical programmer or electronic control device.
  • the present invention is aiming at the solution of the technical problem concerning the good operation of the device for detecting the resins state comprising the container containing the sample resins and their complete regeneration and/or washing when the regeneration and/or wash process of all resins contained in the softening device is performed.
  • the above object is obtained by a system for reducing the water hardness degree as required for operation of a utilizer apparatus, in particular a household washing machine, as well as by the control methods incorporating the features of the annexed claims, which form an integral part of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 the number 1 indicates, as a whole, a device for detecting the resins state as used in a system for reducing the water hardness degree according to the present invention, as a first possible embodiment.
  • Number 2 indicates the body of the device 1, which has a cylindrical hollow portion 3 and a ring flange 4.
  • the cylindrical hollow portion 3 has three sections with a different inner diameter to each other, indicated with 3A, 3B and 3C, respectively.
  • the section 3B has a smaller diameter with respect to both section 3A and 3C.
  • Number 8 indicates a hollow column or a similar tubular element, which is closed on one end by a wall 8A; on the column 8, a flange 9 is located near the closed end.
  • the column 8 is inserted in the section 3A of the cylindrical portion 3 of the body 2, where its insertion is stopped by the flange 9 striking against the flange 4 of the body 2. Between the column 8 and the section 3A of the cylindrical portion 3, there are common hydraulic sealing means, such as a ring gasket, not shown for simplicity's sake.
  • Number 10 indicates sample resins and number 11 a movable element.
  • Number 11 A indicates the base of the movable element 11, which has substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder closed on one end, whose outer diameter is provided to match and slide within the inner diameter of the column 8 and inside the inner diameter of the section 3B of the body 3; the diameter of the section 3B is equal to the inner diameter of the column 8.
  • Number 12 indicates a rod having on one end a cylindrical extension 12A with a larger diameter than the rod itself, apt to be inserted in the inner portion of the base 11A.
  • the rod 12 is divided in two portions, indicated with 12B and 12C, respectively, by a flange 12D; the portion 12B has a vertical cylindrical recess 12E between the flange 12D and the end 12A.
  • the cylindrical recess 12E is connected outside through a hole 12F perpendicular to it.
  • the extension 12A of the rod 12 has a round recess apt to contain a magnetic element 13, such as a permanent magnet.
  • the magnetic element 13 is maintained in position by a washer 13A located between the bottom wall of the base 11A and the bottom of the portion 12A of the rod 12 when the latter is fastened to the base 11A.
  • the bottom wall of the base 11A of the movable element 11 and the bottom wall 8A of the column 2 have slits 14' and 14, whose size is such to let water flow through, but not the resins.
  • the portion 12C of the rod 12 has inside a ferromagnetic core N and is inserted inside of a coil 35, freely sliding.
  • the coil 35 is fastened, e.g. by means of screws, to a closure lid 36 of the upper end of the cylindrical hollow portion 3 of the body 2.
  • Number 15 indicates, as a whole, an element capable of sliding on the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 3 of the body 2; number 16 indicates the body of the sliding element 15, which has a threaded pin 17.
  • Number 18 indicates a relay with foils enclosed in a glass housing filled with inertial gas, commonly and hereafter called reed, which may be activated by a magnetic field outside.
  • the reed 18 is vertically inserted in the body 16 of the sliding element 15, in a position to be substantially near and parallel to the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 3 of the body 2.
  • the reed 18 is electrically connected outside by means of a common connector.
  • Number 19 indicates a nut for fastening the sliding element 15 to the wall 6 of the cylindrical bushing 5
  • number 20 indicates a spring striking against the wall 6 of the bushing 5 and against the body 16 of the sliding element 15 to maintain the sliding element 15 in a position defined by the tightening degree of the nut 19.
  • Tightening and/or loosening the nut 19 on the pin 17 causes an upward or downward movement with reference to Fig. 1 of the sliding element 15, and consequently a position change of the reed 18 for calibration purposes of the device, as better described hereafter.
  • the side ends of the body 16 have an edge 21 whose shape allows its insertion in a complementary seat 22 on the body 2, acting as a guide (see Fig. 5 ).
  • numbers 37 and 38 indicate a first and a second symmetrically opposed projections on the upper end of the cylindrical hollow portion 3 of the body 2, perpendicular to it.
  • Projections 37 and 38 have inside a duct indicated with 39 and 40, respectively, which connects hydraulically the section 3C of the cylindrical portion 3 outside with its inside; through the hole 12F and recess 12E on the rod 12, the section 3C is hydraulically connected with the inside of the column 8 containing the resins 10.
  • the projection 37 has an external configuration apt for connection to a water supply connector for the water coming from the mains through a water softening device.
  • the projection 38 is connected hydraulically through the duct 40 to the salt tank of the wash water softener for regenerating the softening resins.
  • a check valve 42 to hinder the water from the mains and flowing through the duct 39 from reaching the salt tank through the duct 40.
  • Number 36 indicates the closure lid of the upper side of the portion 3 of the body 2, which has a hole 41 in the middle for the portion 12C of the rod 12 go through.
  • the closure lid 36 is fastened to the upper side of the portion 3 of the body 2 by means of screws V.
  • Number 35 indicates the coil fastened to the closure lid 36 by common means, such as screws or engaging teeth, bearing internally the portion 12C of the rod 12 with the ferromagnetic core N inside it.
  • the ferromagnetic core N after having been released by the coil 35, may reach a position where from it cannot be drawn any more by the powered coil 35, it is provided to have insertion of the movable element 11 in the column 8 stopped by the flange 12D when striking on the step resulting from the diameter difference between the portion 38 and 3C of the body 3.
  • insertion of the movable element 11 inside the column 8 is such to be higher than a maximum volume reduction of the resins 10 in their exhaustion phase.
  • the present invention is based on the acknowledgement of two considerations.
  • a first consideration is that normal resins utilized as known for reducing water hardness tend to change their volume when becoming exhausted, which phenomenon occurs during normal operation of the softening device.
  • resins are typically formed by granules or small pearls, each one of them consisting of a polystyrene chains structure, substantially enwrapped between them like a clew; the various polystyrene chains are tied to each other by means of smaller divinylbenzene chains, on which sites (SO 4 -) are available where ions are apt to reside.
  • the inventors have found that the polystyrene structure of the resin pearls substantially form a semi-permeable membrane, which is apt to let in a portion of the ions Na+ contained in the water-salt solution wetting them during the regeneration phase.
  • the resins When the resins are at their natural or virgin state, they already contain sodium ions (NA+) to be exchanged with calcium ions (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++) contained in the wash water.
  • NA+ sodium ions
  • Ca++ calcium ions
  • Mg++ magnesium
  • preparation of the device 1 and of the samples resins to be introduced in the column 8 (along with the magnetic element 13 and reed 18 assembled on the sliding element 15) forming a sensor for detecting the resins state provides the following procedure.
  • sample resins 10 The quantity of sample resins 10 is metered and introduced in the column 8; it should be noticed that before being introduced in the column 8, sample resins 10 are preferably submitted to a typical operation cycle, i.e.: exhaustion - regeneration - washing.
  • sample resins 10 will consist of pearls with a larger diameter than the resin pearls contained in the softener device on the washing machine; moreover, their diameter will be a most consistent one as possible.
  • sample resins do not necessarily need to be the same type as utilized in the softener, but they should be a most suitable type for the device 1.
  • the column 8 is inserted inside the cylindrical hollow portion 3 of the body 2, where the flange 9 of the column 8 will strike against the flange 4 of the body 2.
  • the movable element 11 with the magnetic element 13 inserted in the seat of the extension 12A of the rod 12, is inserted in the column 8; the movable element 13 will take a position against the upper surface of the sample resins 10 previously introduced in the column 8.
  • the upper end of the cylindrical portion 3 is then closed with a lid 36, which is fastened to it by means of screws as commonly known, bearing in mind to have the rod 12 going through the hole 41 in the middle of the lid 36.
  • the sliding element 15 is assembled on the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 3 of the body 2, inserting the threaded pin 17 in the hole 7, after having previously fitted the spring 20 on the threaded pin 17; the sliding element 15 is then fastened to the wall 6' of the cylindrical bushing 5' by means of the nut 19 screwed on the pin 17.
  • the device 1 is calibrated as for the following procedure; the operation is performed with the device upright, i.e. placed in its working position; such a working position with the water supply from the above downwards has been selected for improving device operation.
  • the column 8 is made slide downwards by a value equal to 5% of the compacted resin height 10.
  • the height of compacted resins, before displacement of the column 8, is detected by a reader according to common procedures.
  • the position of the magnetic element 13 is detected by the reed 18 of the sliding element 15, which is displaced by sliding the element 15 along the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 3 of the body 2 by means of the nut 19; the position of the magnetic element 13 is determined when the reed 18 is activated by the magnetic field produced by the element 13 itself and closes its own circuit (ON).
  • the displacement value of the column 8 equal to 5% of the height of the compacted sample resins, corresponds substantially to a volume reduction of the resins when they are in an exhausted state of about 80 %; as said, in fact, as they are gradually utilized during operation of the washing machine, the resins become exhausted and reduce their volume.
  • the column 8 is taken back to its initial position and made integral with the body 2, welding or locking the flange 9 to the flange 4 as commonly known, and the movement of the nut 19 is locked with the use of paints or common resins.
  • the movable element 11 will be displaced further down and displace downwards also the magnetic element 13, which causes the closure of the reed 18 (ON) when in line with it.
  • Closure of the reed 18 activates resins regeneration phase through a cam A of an electromechanical programmer, which enables the opening of a regeneration solenoid valve VR (see Fig. 10 ).
  • This regeneration phase consisting practically of the supply of a water-salt solution to the softener, will obviously also concern the sample resins 10, since the water-salt solution is also flown in the device 1 hydraulically connected to the softener through the extension 37 of the column 8.
  • the coil 35 is activated at least once simultaneously with the opening of the regeneration solenoid valve VR, by means of a cam of the electromechanical programmer prearranged for such a function. Activation of the coil 35 produces a magnetic field inside it, which draws the ferromagnetic core N associated to the movable element 11 inside the coil 35, thus causing a vacuum in the column 8 and a space between the movable element 11 and the resins 10, which are then free to fluctuate and increase their contact with the regeneration solution.
  • the coil 35 is deactivated and the movable element 11 return to lean again on the resins 10 in a lower position with respect to the position it had before coil activation 35, compacting them under the thrust of the spring 43, so as to allow detecting the new position of the resins 10.
  • the resins never become completely exhausted, with the risk of using too hard water for washing.
  • the resins come in contact with a concentrated saline solution; as a result, by virtue of the osmotic pressure exerted, the resins undergo a further volume reduction with respect to the reduction caused by their normal exhaustion.
  • This volume reduction causes the movable element 11 to be further displaced along the magnetic element 13 associated to it.
  • the reed 18 will be outside the magnetic field of the element 13 and reach its opening condition (OFF), stopping the regeneration phase.
  • duration of the regeneration phase, or the quantity of water used to that purpose can be direct function of the reaching of the actually restoration of the resins efficiency.
  • the programmer starts a first wash stage of the resins, indicatively for a time of 5-7 seconds, so as to remove excess sodium ions (Na+), activating the solenoid valve VC (see Fig. 10 ) for water inlet from the mains, with a second programmer cam usually pre-arranged for such a function.
  • the coil 35 is activated at least once, drawing towards itself the ferromagnetic core N and consequently the movable element 11 associated to it.
  • a vacuum is produced in the column 8 and a space between the movable element 11 and the resins 10, which are then free to fluctuate and increase their contact with the wash water, so as to improve their capacity of removing the salt and expand freely.
  • the coil 35 is deactivated and the movable element 11 will rest again on the resins 10 in a higher position with respect to the position it had before coil activation 35, compacting them under the thrust of the spring 43, so as to allow detecting the new position of the resins 10.
  • the sudden displacing movement of the movable element 11 will also produce a vacuum in the column 8, which recalls the resins 10 and helps them to go upwards to facilitate their volume increase.
  • the resins will further increase their volume (due to a progressive osmotic pressure reduction), so that displacement of the movable element 11 with the relevant magnetic element 13 will continue; displacement of the element 13 is such that the reed 18 will be outside its magnetic field and go back to its open condition (OFF), stopping the resins wash cycle, since the resins have gone back to their initial state.
  • the duration of the resins wash phase can be direct function of the reaching of the actual resins wash and avoid water and power wastage.
  • the programmer will go on to the subsequent phases, namely to the rest phase, to the first resins wash phase which, does not change the resins state (since there are no exceeding sodium ions (NA+) to be removed), will leave the reed 18 in its open condition (OFF).
  • the second resins wash phase is performed only when required and therefore with a further saving of water and power.
  • the warning light will also be lit during the regenerating phase, when the reed 18 is in its closure condition (ON), but it is always out at cycle end when the reed 18 is in open condition (OFF) after the regeneration has been performed.
  • the phase 1 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 with the sample resins 10 in their initial condition and with the reed 18 in the open condition (OFF).
  • the phase 2 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 with the exhaustion of the sample resins 10; the reed 18 is in its closure condition (ON) as being under the effect of the magnetic field of the magnetic element 13, which is displaced downwards due to the reduced volume of the resins 10.
  • this phase is activated the regeneration valve VR and at least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35.
  • the phase 3 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 when the resins 10 come in contact during the regeneration phase with the saline solution with a high sodium chloride concentration (NaCl), the reed 18 is in its open condition (OFF) as it is no longer under the effect of the magnetic field of the magnetic element 13. This situation occurs because the magnetic element 13, following a further resins volume reduction caused by the osmotic pressure, is displaced to a still lower extent.
  • NaCl sodium chloride concentration
  • the phase 4 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 during the first resins wash cycle; the reed 18 is in its closure condition (ON) due to the displacement of the magnetic element 13 upwards following a volume increase of the resins caused by an osmotic pressure reduction. During this phase at least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35 is activated.
  • the phase 5 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 at the end of the resins wash cycle; the reed 18 is in its open condition (OFF) following a further displacement of the magnetic element 13 upwards due to a further volume increase of the resins caused by a further osmotic pressure reduction.
  • the invention as described above is susceptible of advantageous application combined with an electromechanical programmer, since all information generated by the device 1 related to the state of the sample resins 10 can be managed automatically at low costs using simple cams of the programmer itself.
  • Fig. 3 shows schematically a vertical section of the front view of a second possible embodiment of a device for detecting the resins state of a water softener according to the present invention; such a device is indicated as a whole with 1A.
  • the device 1 A differs from the device 1 of Fig. 1 for a second sliding element, indicated with 15A and provided with a relevant reed 18A, similar to the ones previously described and indicated with 15 and 18, respectively.
  • Both elements for detecting the position of the magnetic element 13 of the device 1A allow generating a higher number of information with respect to the example of the device 1 of Fig. 1 ; for this reason the device 1A is more suitable to be associated to an electronic control device, which will gather information and transmit them to the various components of the washing machine or to the user.
  • both detection elements produce a binary signal suitable to be sent to a microprocessor.
  • Assembly procedures of the device 1 and device 1A are similar, save that in the device 1A also the sliding element 15 A is mounted according to the same assembly procedure for the sliding element 15 of the device represented in Fig. 1 .
  • the column 8 is sliding downwards for a value equal to 10% of the height of compacted resins.
  • the position of the magnetic element 13 is detected by the reed 18A of the sliding element 15A, which is displaced causing the element 15A to slide along the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 3 of the body 2 by means of the nut 19; the position of the magnetic element 13 is determined when the reed 18A is activated by the magnetic field produced by the same magnetic element 13 and will close its own circuit (ON).
  • the 10% displacement value of the height of the compacted resins correspond to a volume reduction of the resins when are immersed in a water solution with a high sodium chloride concentration (NaCl); as mentioned, under this condition a portion of sodium ions (Na+) of such a solution enters in the structure of the resin pearl, whereas the remaining portion of sodium ions (Na+), unable to enter in the pearl structure, produce an osmotic pressure on its external surface that compresses it and consequently reduces its volume.
  • NaCl sodium chloride concentration
  • the column 8 is brought back to its initial position and made integral with the body 2, welding or locking as known the flange 9 to the flange 4, and the nut 19 is locked using common paints or resins.
  • the closure (ON) of the reed 18 activates the resins regeneration phase with the opening of the regeneration solenoid valve; the opening of the regeneration solenoid valve is controlled by the electronic device detecting the closure condition (ON) of the reed 18.
  • At the same time at least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35 is activated for the same purposes described for the device 1. With the deactivation of the coil 35, the movable element 11 return to lean again on the resins 10 in a lower position with respect to the position it had before activation of the coil 35, and compact them under the thrust of the spring 43, to allow detecting the new position of the resins 10.
  • the electronic device detecting the closure condition (ON) of both the reeds 18 and 18A, activates the closure of the regeneration solenoid valve.
  • the electronic device After closing of the regeneration solenoid valve, the electronic device will activate a rest interval in the washing machine cycle.
  • the electronic device activates the water inlet solenoid valve for a first resins wash phase, indicatively for a time of 5-7 seconds, so as to reduce excess sodium ions (Na+). Simultaneously with the water inlet valve, at least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35 is activated through the electronic programmer, for the purposes already described for the device 1.
  • the movable element 11 After deactivation of the coil 35, the movable element 11 return to lean again on the resins 10 in a higher position with respect to the position before activation of the coil 35, compacting them under the thrust of the spring 43, to allow the detection of the new position of the resins 10.
  • the electronic control device detecting such reeds conditions, activates a second resin wash phase.
  • At least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35 is activated to fulfil the same purposes and procedures related to the first rinse phase.
  • both the reeds 18 and 18A are practically forming a 2 bit digital signal, suitable for interfacing a binary logic, such as the one superintending to the operation of a microprocessor normally used in the electronic control device of a washing machine.
  • the electronic control device will not activate the regeneration solenoid valve when the resins are only partially exhausted; in this condition, in fact, the reed 18 is still in its open position (OFF).
  • the electronic control device will skip all phases previously described (regeneration, rest interval, first and second resins wash steps).
  • the electronic control device detects this situation and activate a signal, such as a warning line signalling this faulty condition.
  • a subsequent opening (OFF) also of the reed 18A indicates a faulty condition of the device, such as missing sample resins.
  • the electronic control device detecting such a situation, can inform the user about the faulty condition by means of a warning light or similar device, and restore resins regeneration of the softener at every wash cycle, excluding the device 1A.
  • the electronic control device detecting such a condition, can inform the user through a luminescent and/or acoustic signal that salt needs to be added in the relevant tank.
  • the electronic control device will signal a failure of the regeneration valve operation or a jam of the detecting device mechanism.
  • the control device Before signalling such a failure, the control device will activate and deactivate the coil 35 to remove a possible locking of the movable element 11, which can be due e.g. to broken resin pearls rests. If the failure cannot be removed, then the electronic control device will indicate it. In this case is therefore necessary to call the Technical Service.
  • the phase 1 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 with the resins 10 in their initial condition and with the reeds 18 and 18A in their open condition (OFF).
  • the phase 2 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 after exhaustion of the resins 10; the reed 18 is in the closed condition (ON) being under the effect of the magnetic field of the magnetic element 13, which is displaced downwards due to a volume reduction of the resins 10.
  • the solenoid valve for resins regeneration is activated as well as at least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35.
  • the reed 18 A, vice-versa is in the open condition (OFF) as it is not yet involved by the magnetic field of the element 13.
  • the phase 3 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 when the regeneration solenoid valve is deactivated; the reeds 18 and 18A are both in their closed condition (ON), being both involved by the magnetic field of the element 13. Therefore, the electronic control device, detecting the closed condition (ON) of the reeds 18 and 18A, provides to the deactivation of the regeneration solenoid valve.
  • the electronic control device provides to inform the user by means of luminescent or acoustic signals that salt needs to be added.
  • the electronic control device If, after adding salt, the reed 18A is still in the open condition (OFF), the electronic control device provides to signal a failure of the regeneration valve operation or a jam of the detecting device mechanism.
  • the phase 4 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 when, during the regeneration phase, the resins 10 come in contact with a saline solution with a high sodium chloride concentration (NaCl), which determines a further volume reduction of the resins due to the osmotic pressure.
  • the reed 18 is in the open condition (OFF) and the reed 18A in the closed condition (ON); these conditions are conferred by the displacement of the magnetic element 13 following a volume reduction of the resins 10.
  • the electronic control device detecting at this point the faulty open condition (OFF) of the reed 18 and the closed condition (ON) of the reed 18A, provides to activate a signal, such as a warning light or similar device, to indicate the presence of too much salt.
  • the phase 5 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 when in the device are lacking of the sample resins 10 due to a device failure; in this instance, the reeds 18 and 18A are in the open condition (OFF) and the electronic control device, detecting such conditions, provides to inform the user of such a failure by means of a warning light or similar device, and to restore resins regeneration of the softener at every wash cycle, excluding the device 1A, as long as the missing sample resins 10 will not be restored again.
  • the phase 8 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 when starting the resins wash cycle, the reed 18 is in the closed condition (ON) due to the upward displacement of the magnetic element 13, following a volume increase of the resins, while the reed 18A is in the open position (OFF). During this phase at least an activation/deactivation cycle of the coil 35 is activated.
  • the phase 9 relates to the position of the magnetic element 13 at the end of the resins wash cycle; the reeds 18 and 18A are both in the open position (OFF) due to the upward displacement of the magnetic element 13 following a further volume increase of the resins 10; the electronic device, detecting such conditions of the reeds 18 and 18A, provides to deactivate the water inlet valve used for resins wash.
  • the electronic control device not represented nor described as being a common type, detect and elaborate the data from the conditions of the reeds 18 and 18A, eventually storing them, and manage all operations of the washing machine.
  • Fig. 4 shows schematically a prospective partial view of a device for detecting the resins state of a water softener according to the present invention, referred to the second possible embodiment of the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 represents schematically a cross section of a device for detecting the resins state of a water softener according to the present invention, referred to the first configuration of the device for detecting the resins state, as described with reference to the Fig. 1 , respectively; however, this figure may also be referred to the second configuration of the device, i.e. the one of Fig. 3 , bearing in mind that in this case two sliding elements should be provided.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates schematically a section view of the position and the hydraulic connection of a device 1 according to the present invention to a softener D.
  • Reference 45 indicates an insertion hole of the extension 37 of the device 1 in the softener body D, for the hydraulic connection of the former to the latter.
  • the hole 45 is hydraulically connected to a recess 46 inside to the resins container R of the softener D.
  • the recess 46 has slits 46A on its lower wall for hydraulic connection of the recess to the internal side of the resins container.
  • the slits 46A are sized to let the water flow through, but not the resins R.
  • the lower wall of the recess 46 is located on the softener D at a height above the lower level of the resins R contained in the softener device.
  • Such a height is so predetermined to have the water from the softener D entering in the device 1 through the slits 46A already partially softened by the resins R of the softener D.
  • Such a measure is dictated by the requirement to avoid that the resins 10 of the device 1 to become exhausted when the resins of the softener D are not yet fully exhausted.
  • the device 1 may operate under different conditions of own resins than for the resins of the softener D.
  • the position of the supply point of the device 1 on the softener D is also determined to have it operate a regeneration when the resins R of the softener D have not yet reached their total exhaustion.
  • mains water flows in the softener D is from the bottom to the top: this causes that the resins R to become exhausted starting from the bottom, i.e. the lower ones will become exhausted first and then all the other ones gradually raising.
  • the hydraulic location of the device 1 above the lower level of the resins R of the softener D is so provided to have the latter operate for regeneration purposes when the resins R of the softener D, above the supply point of the device 1, are not yet exhausted. Thus, a complete exhaustion of all resins R of the softener D will not occur before their regeneration.
  • Reference 24 indicates a duct, for draining the water flowing in the device 1 and its letting in the conduit of the water supply to the washing machine.
  • the duct 24A has a shape for housing inside the column 8 of the device I ; such a coupling is made integral by common means; the coupling between the duct 21 A and column 8 is hydraulically sealed by means of at least a gasket, such as a sealing ring.
  • the extension 38 of the device 1 is directly connected through a connector 47 to the salt container, for the regeneration of the resins 10 contained in the device 1.
  • the system according to the invention employs a simple small-sized device, easy to manufacture at low cost.
  • the coil 35 is able to displace the movable element 11 and provide more room for the resins 10 to fluctuate during the regeneration and/or washing process, operation of the system for detecting the resins state is improved.
  • the device provides efficient automatic control of the regenerating operations, including a resins wash after regeneration, also when a standard electromechanical programmer is used.
  • resins regeneration and/or washing according to the invention can be directly controlled to avoid wastage of resources.
  • the device has a high operating reliability, since resins exhaustion is detected by direct monitoring, and without keeping water hardness under control, from which the resins exhaustion degree can only be deduced indirectly.
  • the detectors of the position of the magnetic element 13 are calibrated, for example, to enable the regeneration when resins exhaustion reaches about 80%, which corresponds a well determined position of the magnetic element 13; thus, the regeneration of the resins R only take place when it is strictly required, avoiding water and salt wastage; moreover, by so doing, the resins R never reach their complete exhaustion with the risk of using a too hard water for washing.
  • the working position improves the operating conditions of the device according to the invention, avoiding an incorrect position of the movable element 11, which could cause detection problems of the position of the magnetic element 13 with respect to the height of the resins 10.
  • the possibility of having the movable element 11 performing extra movements through the coil 35 allows an improvement of the regeneration of the sample resins 10 and facilitate the mixing of the brine with the resins, an improvement of the removal of excess salt during their rinsing, reduce probable jamming of the movable element 11 due to resin pearls rests.
  • a Hall-effect sensor or electric microswitch may be used instead of a reed.
  • the detection device may be incorporated either in full or partially in the softener device. According to a further implementation, the detection device could be realized without the coil 35 for the temporary activation of the movable element 11, as represented in the Fig. 11 .
  • the Fig. 11 schematically represents a vertical section of a detection device comprising such a implementation, which is indicated as a whole with the number 1B.
  • the number 36' indicates a closing cover of the upper end of the cylindrical hollow portion 3 of the body 2.
  • 12' is indicated a rod having on one end the cylindrical extension 12A with a larger diameter than the rod itself, apt to be inserted in the inner portion of the base I 1A of the movable element 11, and containing the magnetic element 13.
  • the rod 12' has on the inside a through vertical cylindrical recess 12'E, apt to put in hydraulic connection the sample resins 10 with the ducts 39 and 40 by means the slits 14'.
  • a spring between the movable element 11 and the closing cover 36' of the upper end of the cylindrical hollow portion 3 of the body 2.
  • the Fig. 11 represents such an implementation for a device with an only sliding element 15, but the same implementation can be also apply to a device having two sliding elements 15 and 15A.
  • a further implementation may be to realize a seal between the movable element 11 and the inner wall of the column 8, hindering a leakage of resin particles capable of jamming the movement of the movable element; sealing may be obtained through a lip gasket on the edge of the movable element 11.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Sorption (AREA)
EP00954824A 1999-09-03 2000-09-02 System for reducing the water hardness and control methods thereof Expired - Lifetime EP1409782B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO990738 1999-09-03
IT1999TO000738 IT1310158B1 (it) 1999-09-03 1999-09-03 Sistema di abbattimento del grado di durezza dell'acqua necessaria alfunzionamento di un apparato utilizzatore, e relativi metodi di
ITTO200001 2000-01-07
IT2000TO000012 IT1319780B1 (it) 2000-01-07 2000-01-07 Sistema di abbattimento del grado di durezza dell'acqua necessaria alfunzionamento di un apparato utilizzatore, e relativi metodi di
PCT/IB2000/001241 WO2001018298A2 (en) 1999-09-03 2000-09-02 System for reducing the water hardness and control methods thereof

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1409782A2 EP1409782A2 (en) 2004-04-21
EP1409782B1 true EP1409782B1 (en) 2011-12-21

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00954824A Expired - Lifetime EP1409782B1 (en) 1999-09-03 2000-09-02 System for reducing the water hardness and control methods thereof

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1409782B1 (tr)
AT (1) ATE538235T1 (tr)
AU (1) AU6717600A (tr)
ES (1) ES2378763T3 (tr)
TR (1) TR200200568T2 (tr)
WO (1) WO2001018298A2 (tr)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITTO20010353A1 (it) * 2001-04-11 2002-10-11 T & P Spa Sistema per il controllo della durezza dell'acqua di lavaggio in una macchina di lavaggio e relativo metodo di controllo.
ITTO20010602A1 (it) * 2001-06-21 2002-12-21 T & P Spa Dispositivo di rilevazione dello stato delle resine di un sistema perl'abbattimento della durezza dell'acqua necessaria ad un apparato util
ITTO20020122A1 (it) * 2002-02-12 2003-08-12 Bitron Spa Apparecchio decalcificatore provvisto di mezzi indicatori dell'esaurimento delle resine scambiatrici di ioni.
GB2386381A (en) * 2002-03-14 2003-09-17 Darren Keats Water softener for a washing machine
ITTO20050805A1 (it) * 2005-11-15 2007-05-16 T & P Spa Sistema per abbattere la durezza dell'acqua di lavaggio in una macchina di lavaggio in particolare una lavastoviglie e relativo metodo
CN103096778B (zh) * 2010-03-18 2016-07-06 伊莱克斯家用产品公司 用水填充洗碗机的洗涤盆的方法
EP2366322B1 (en) * 2010-03-18 2015-11-04 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. A method for regenerating a water softener resin in a dishwasher
WO2015167574A1 (en) 2014-05-02 2015-11-05 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing a quick cycle in a dishwasher
CN108661455B (zh) * 2017-03-29 2021-05-25 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 一种洗碗机自动门锁及洗碗机
CN109283302B (zh) * 2018-08-16 2023-09-05 南京福碧源环境技术有限公司 一种水质硬度检测系统

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3406724C2 (de) * 1984-02-24 1986-03-13 Peter 7031 Aidlingen Spiegl Härtefühler für Wasserenthärtungsanlagen
US4737275A (en) * 1986-03-06 1988-04-12 Autotrol Corporation Resin pressure sensor for water treatment
DE3831811A1 (de) * 1988-09-19 1990-03-22 Ewald Meiser Verfahren und vorrichtung zur steuerung der regenerierung von wasserenthaertungsanlagen
IT1279192B1 (it) * 1995-05-09 1997-12-04 Merloni Elettrodomestici Spa Sistema per la segnalazione della concentrazione del sale che viene utilizzato per la rigenerazione di resine in una macchina di lavaggio.
IT1296210B1 (it) * 1997-11-27 1999-06-11 T & P Spa Dispositivo per l'abbattimento della durezza dell'acqua (dolcificatore) dotato di un sensore di esaurimento resine e macchina

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6717600A (en) 2001-04-10
EP1409782A2 (en) 2004-04-21
WO2001018298A3 (en) 2001-08-09
TR200200568T2 (tr) 2002-06-21
ES2378763T3 (es) 2012-04-17
WO2001018298A2 (en) 2001-03-15
ATE538235T1 (de) 2012-01-15

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